“This certainly seems redundant after Kelby’s injury last week, but again our thoughts and prayers lie with Braxton and his family with this news,” Duke head coach David Cutcliffe said. “While we’ll miss his presence on the field, the priorities with Braxton right now shift to his health and spirit. We do know that Braxton will continue to be a valued member of our program going forward.”

A date for surgery, which will be performed by Dr. Claude T. Moorman III, Duke’s head team physician and the director of Duke Sports Medicine, has not been set.

Deaver, a 6-5, 240-pound native of Charlotte, N.C., was a third team All-ACC choice in 2013 after posting 46 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns, all totals that ranked second among league tight ends. Deaver had multiple receptions in every game in 2013, including six for a career-high 116 yards in Duke’s 52-48 loss to No. 20 Texas A&M in the Chick-fil-A Bowl to earn a spot on ESPN’s All-Bowl Team.

A 2014 preseason second team All-ACC pick by Athlon Sports, Lindy’s Sports and Phil Steele, Deaver also keyed Duke’s 35-22 comeback win against Virginia on October 19, scoring back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter covering 47 and 24 yards to help the Blue Devils overcome a 22-0 deficit.

In July, Deaver was named to the preseason Watch List for the John Mackey Award, which honors the top tight end in college football. In 26 career games at Duke, he has caught 54 passes for 707 yards and four touchdowns. Deaver missed the 2012 season following three surgeries on January 9 (torn left ACL), June 14 (left thumb fracture) and July 10 (left patella fracture).

Duke opens the 2014 campaign against Elon on Aug. 30 at Wallace Wade Stadium. To order tickets, call (919) 681-BLUE or visit www.GoDuke.com/footballtix.